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Businesses use different types of surveillance to protect their employees, assets and property from criminal elements and other malicious security breaches. Business owners invest time and money into their companies and should utilize the various technologies available to protect this investment. The type of business and nature of information and assets needing protection should dictate the type and extent of surveillance used.

Video Surveillance

Businesses set up video surveillance cameras both outside their buildings and in certain areas inside for a variety of reasons. Outside cameras protect against unlawful entry and include all-weather casings for protection from the elements, and the ability to provide quality images in very low light. Inside cameras ensure employee honesty around valuable assets and cash, and protect against unlawful entry after the business closes. Security companies can integrate these cameras into the business network or configure them so that owners can access live video from anywhere via the Internet. Business owners may choose to purchase closed-circuit television monitors equipped with touch screens for viewing video feeds, as well. The touch screens allow operators to change camera angles remotely.

Internet Surveillance

Internet monitoring software reports on employee Internet usage. This powerful software records all the sites visited, any chats that took place, and non-company email activity. Businesses can load the software on individual PCs or purchase the network version and load it at the server level to monitor several stations at once. They must notify employees of the monitoring software and inform them of company policy regarding personal usage of the Internet, chat programs and personal email. Employees may resent the implementation of this intrusive level of monitoring and morale may fall as a result. Businesses must decide if they would rather know exactly what their employees are up to or if they want to foster a trust-based relationship with the employees.

Telephone Surveillance

Businesses use this type of monitoring primarily for quality control when employees speak to customers on the telephone, and they must inform employees upon hiring that they employ phone recording devices. In some states, the customer on the other end must also be informed of the phone monitoring system. Managers or business owners review phone conversations to customers and offer advice and training to employees.

Counter Surveillance

It sounds like something out of a spy novel, but as business becomes more data and information oriented, the need for counter surveillance inspections and devices increases. Competitive spying, although illegal, happens in businesses both large and small. Counter surveillance equipment includes audio jammers, noise generators and bug sweep devices. The first two mask normal conversation, limiting the effectiveness of a bugging device or hidden recorder. Bug sweep devices use radio transmission technology to check for hidden recording devices, bugs and hidden cameras.

About the Author

Based in Houston, Samantha Gluck has been writing articles targeting small businesses and the medical profession since 2000. She owns All Media Freelance, LLC, where she works as a professional copywriter. Gluck holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and an Associate of Science in microbiology from the University of Texas.